Going to Florida to turkey hunt in March. Anyone use a Turkey vest for calls, ect? If so what make/brand? Thanks.
Michael,
I think at one time or another I had every turkey vest they made. They have plenty of pockets some with 20. Problem for me was remembering what call was where, and which pocket. Fumbling with zippers etc. They also don't hold up well(game pouch falls apart) after toting a few turkeys out of the woods.
One of the best things I did was quit using one and went to a haversack. Slate and glass calls go into leather pouches, and box call in a leather holster. Bottle of water a few mouth calls, pruners, snack, turkey wing etc. and a wing bone around my neck :thumbsup:
When you need something open the flap and everything is right there.
pockets are pockets, wouldn't matter if you wore a fly fishing vest. Mountain man bag, possibles bag or "purse" seems to work well.
I to switched from a vest to a bag. Its easier for me to sneak around, crawl or anything else I need to do turkey hunt.
Thanks guys.
I still use a vest. Never carry the dead bird in the back "game bag", that is where my decoys are carried. It also where I carry the small stool I use to get me up off the ground. Since I use the same vest for years I know which calls are in what pocket. They work well for me. If you don't use decoys and can kneel or sit on the ground for a long time (I often zip off the thick seat pad and kneel on it if the cover warrants it over a seat) then a back pack or haversack will work great.
I went back to a bag vest was to bulky for me to shoot in....
6 gallon bucket with a swivel seat on top. Holds 2 collapsible decoys and more calls then You would want.
I've had both knees replaced so sitting on the ground does'nt work for Me. I'll have a ghille suit in there soon. :thumbsup:
I love my Preator Vest and My A-Way Hunting Calls. You can get both on our website
http://www.stjoeriverbows.com/Predatorcamo.html
http://www.stjoeriverbows.com/A-wayProducts.html
I like my vest. I have used the same one since 1991. Every pocket holds something specific and has for so long that there is no doubt where anything is at any given time.
I tried a vest once but the feathers kept tickleing me, so I went back to using a fanny pack to put my calls in.
Always. Use one for deer too. Everything has its place.
A vest is a total necessity for turkey hunting. Always ready, just grab it and go. At 4AM this beats looking for all your junk.
Ol' Tom essential vest for me. Just enough pockets, not too many. Everything in its place. Tied some cord to bottom for portable blind and stool... inexpensive and perfect!
QuoteOriginally posted by adeeden:
I like my vest. I have used the same one since 1991. Every pocket holds something specific and has for so long that there is no doubt where anything is at any given time.
Same for me...I can't remember how long I've had it...
I'll 3rd what Adeeden and Guru said.
I have an old vest made by Mossy Oak in the early 90's Id guess. Still use it today. It's just convenient to know where everything is and just grab your vest and go. Seat cushion is comfortable too.
I continued to use my vest until I went to the Rack Pack System... then I went back to an old army gas mask bag that my dad carried for years to carry his calls in...
I've done that the last two years... it has one big main compartment and then 3 vertical pockets... one carries the friction calls... another all the mouth calls... and another some of pops old calls...
Jonathan
I've never owned one. I just put calls in a fanny and put everything in a blind bag. I don't move around much, I scout, put up the blind based upon pre-dawn gobbles and then stick it out. I should be willing to move a bit but usually my hunting area isn't large enough to offer much moving around.
I've got a couple of them, but don't load them up like I used to or use the cushion seat part anymore.
I use one for Deer hunting and one for turkey hunting. Plenty of pockets for calls, lunch, rope, knife, drinks for whatever. I use it instead of a backpack or fanny pack. Keeps all my gear in one place, just put it on grab the bow and I know I have all I need.
I have one from Gander Mtn (Guide Series) I bought cheap about 6 years ago. For the money it was a pretty good deal.
I don't do much run & gun turkey hunting. Mostly I sit in one or two spots until I kill something or have to go home or to work. And I usually take the vest off when I get to my spot.
I keep a deke and a 3 panel blind in the game bag. In the early part of the season I have that vest loaded with slates, box calls, mouth calls, gloves, you name it. By the middle of the season I usually just bring a few mouth calls, a pair of pruners and a roll of TP with me. I keep them in my pockets or in the pouch of my turkey / dove chair.
Seems I just like carrying less and less as the season progresses.
My point? I wouldn't spend a lot on a vest. Nor would I fret about which one to buy.
Go get a cheapo like I did and if you feel you need more than that, well, you're only out a few bucks.